How to Wash Your Face Properly? | Derm-Approved Routine

Getting face washing right matters more than most people think. Scrubbing with a rough cloth, using hot water, or over-washing strips your skin’s natural barrier and can trigger dryness, irritation, and breakouts. The good news is that the correct routine only takes about two minutes and uses items you already have in your bathroom.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has published clear guidance on the best way to wash your face, and their advice is refreshingly simple: hands, lukewarm water, gentle cleanser, and a soft towel. Here is the full routine broken down into steps you can follow tonight.

The Correct Step-by-Step Face Washing Method

According to the AAD’s face washing guidelines, the sequence matters as much as the products. Working through these steps in order keeps your skin clean without stripping it.

1. Wash your hands first. You are about to touch your face, so your hands need to be clean before they make contact.
2. Wet your face with lukewarm water. Hot water feels nice but dries and irritates skin; cold water does not remove oil as effectively.
3. Apply a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser with your fingertips. Skip washcloths, mesh sponges, and brushes—they can all irritate skin.
4. Massage the cleanser in gently. Use a soft circular motion and avoid scrubbing. Let the cleanser do the work, not your fingers.
5. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Leftover cleanser residue can clog pores and cause irritation.
6. Pat dry with a soft, clean towel. Rubbing tugs at the skin and removes the moisture your skin just absorbed.
7. Moisturize while skin is still damp. This locks in hydration, which is especially important for dry or itchy skin.

Finish your morning wash with sunscreen. The AAD notes that sunscreen should be the last step of your morning routine, regardless of what cleanser you used.

How Often Should You Wash Your Face?

The AAD recommends washing your face twice a day—once in the morning and once at night—plus an extra wash after heavy sweating. That post-sweat wash is particularly important if you wear a hat or helmet, since sweat trapped against the skin can trigger breakouts and irritation.

Dermatologists generally agree that twice-daily cleansing works well for normal skin, but the routine can be adjusted for different skin types. Cleveland Clinic dermatologists note that people with dry or sensitive skin sometimes do better washing with only water in the morning and saving their cleanser for the evening. If your skin feels tight, itchy, or flaky after washing, that is a sign you may be cleansing too often or using a cleanser that is too harsh.

Common Face Washing Mistakes to Avoid

Dermatologists see the same mistakes repeatedly in their offices. Here are the ones the AAD and Cleveland Clinic specifically call out:

• Washing too often or scrubbing too hard. More is not better when it comes to cleansing.
• Using hot water. Lukewarm water cleans just as effectively without disrupting your skin’s moisture barrier.
• Choosing harsh cleansers. Alcohol-based, abrasive, or heavily fragranced products strip natural oils and cause irritation.
• Rubbing dry with a towel. Patting leaves more moisture in the skin and causes less friction damage.
• Using washcloths, mesh sponges, or brushes. These physically exfoliate the skin whether you want them to or not, and the AAD lists them as a common source of irritation.

If you are in the market for a cleanser that fits this routine, our roundup of the best daily face wash for men covers gentle options that won’t strip your skin.

FAQs

Is it better to wash your face with a washcloth or your hands?

Your hands are the better choice. The AAD specifically advises against washcloths, mesh sponges, and brushes because the friction they create can irritate skin. Fingertips give you enough control to cleanse gently without adding physical exfoliation. If you prefer the feeling of a cloth, choose an ultra-soft cotton one and use the lightest possible pressure.

Does washing your face with cold water close your pores?

No. Pores do not open or close like doors; they have no muscles to control them. What changes their appearance is the oil and debris inside them. Lukewarm water is the best temperature because it removes oil effectively without drying the skin, which is why the AAD’s guidance centers on lukewarm rather than hot or cold.

Can washing your face too much cause acne?

Yes, in a roundabout way. Over-washing strips your skin’s natural protective oils, which can cause your skin to produce excess oil to compensate. That extra oil mixes with dead skin cells and can clog pores. This is why dermatologists recommend washing just twice a day plus after heavy sweating, not every time your face feels slightly oily.